Well-known pile hammer manufacturer APE has purchased technology for driving and coupling large diameter helical piles that could help make this technology more mainstream. Rather than pounding the pile into the ground, the steel drill pipe casing is rotated using patented couplers in a way that reminds me of a giant socket wrench or an Allen wrench. The base of the pile can be post-grouted, or grouted during installation. APE notes that this technology is ideal for environmentally sensitive areas where pile driving is not an option. Piles up to 42 inches in diameter have been successfully installed and load tested. [Source: APE News. Image: APE]
